Manase Fainu: Brothers of football star who was jailed for stabbing a church official in the back spend a fortune to make an incredible gesture for their mom and dad

The brothers of a football star who was jailed for stabbing a youth leader outside a Mormon church dance have spent a fortune to fulfill their vow to buy their parents their first family home.

Former Manly star Manase Fainu has been sentenced to eight years in prison for stabbing young church leader Faamanu Levi during a brawl outside a ball in Wattle Grove, Sydney, late on the night of 25 October 2019.

The highly touted Sea Eagles player was set to earn a huge salary, which he used to help support his parents and eight struggling siblings.

Luckily, Manase’s footballing brothers – Latu, Sione and Samuela – stepped up and bought a six-bedroom house for the family in Sydney’s west.

Fourth brother Manase Fainu (pictured with dad Chris and mum Lily) is behind bars for stabbing a church leader – and was providing for his large family.

The house has a large swimming pool, an outdoor entertainment area and a large garden for the grandchildren.

“It’s been a struggle,” his mother Lily told News Corp.

“My husband Chris worked two jobs to support the children. We have always lived on a tight budget and struggled to pay the bills for many weeks.

The family had also paid more than $200,000 in legal fees to help their son fight the charges.

“We had to fight for what we believed in,” Lily said.

“We leave an empty room in the house for Manase. He will be home in two and a half years to enjoy it with us.

Latu, Sione and Samuela, who all play for the Tigers and Lily, made their mother incredibly proud.

“What the boys did is so beautiful,” Lily said. “We are so happy and so grateful.

Mother Lily (pictured with her son Latu and husband Chris) is very proud of her sons for this incredible act – and says they will keep a room free for Manase when he returns home.

Latu (pictured before his move to Tigers) said his dream had always been to buy his mother a house

“And their manager Mario… what a big influence he had for the boys.

“I hope this story can inspire other young children and show that you can become a home buyer when you are young.”

“Just like my boys.”

In 2021, Latu was touted as the man to replace Daly playmaker Cherry Evans at Manly when he retired.

When asked about his future, the 16-year-old said he plans to use his money to give back to his struggling parents.

“I want to buy my mother a house. To be able to do that would be a dream come true. That’s what I want to do,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald.

Burgess brothers Sam, Tom, Luke and George were the last quartet to take the field at the same time for South Sydney in 2013.